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Are the Orioles in on this? Or are they too afraid to commit to anyone? He seems like the perfect gap player for us. It gives the fans a little something new and interesting. Could potentially give the offense and defense a boost on the field. And won't cost a long term deal this organization seems to fear. We would have to offer 2+ million more per season to get him over say the Skanks or Angels, but its probably worth a shot. I don't see him looking for more than a 3 year deal as he would be in line for the 5 year deal at 29-30, thus cashing in for that final big contract (assuming he plays well).

birdwatcher55 wrote:I hope not. One scout who looked at him recently had his doubts as well. I would take that $30 million and spend it on the real deal - Prince Fielder

If Fielder were willing to sign for 30M the Brewers would have already locked him up. Try 150M for a good team and 200M for some also ran (see Nationals, Washington) that Boras cons into thinking that Fielder will give them "legitimacy".

Don wrote:I would like to know which scout or observer, because what did we see differently....

Don,

On a different post I opined that I thought that Cespedes would go for less than 30M because of an early report that ALL international signings would be capped. Now, it appears that the cap only applies to players 23 and younger so someone like Cespedes can sign for whatever amount some moron is willing to pay for a player that has never played one game of ML baseball.

Cespedes is exactly the type of player we should be looking to invest in but I can't fault the team for being cautious about 50 to 60M for any prospect. Half of that money maybe, but more than that ............................

Don wrote:I would like to know which scout or observer, because what did we see differently....

Don,

On a different post I opined that I thought that Cespedes would go for less than 30M because of an early report that ALL international signings would be capped. Now, it appears that the cap only applies to players 23 and younger so someone like Cespedes can sign for whatever amount some moron is willing to pay for a player that has never played one game of ML baseball.

Cespedes is exactly the type of player we should be looking to invest in but I can't fault the team for being cautious about 50 to 60M for any prospect. Half of that money maybe, but more than that ............................

Yeah, tis a bit ridiculous to spend that much. If the Orioles were in a position where they could make that investment, have it not work out, and still be ok, I'd say do it but they are not there right now.

This organization has to do something to boost the offense and solve that black hole in left. Plus he can play CF so that solves any Jones related injury problems. Just as a fan, it would get me excited about our offensive potential in 2012. I hope the Orioles visit Coors next year, it'd be fun to see them play.

birdwatcher55 wrote:I hope not. One scout who looked at him recently had his doubts as well. I would take that $30 million and spend it on the real deal - Prince Fielder

If Fielder were willing to sign for 30M the Brewers would have already locked him up. Try 150M for a good team and 200M for some also ran (see Nationals, Washington) that Boras cons into thinking that Fielder will give them "legitimacy".

That's obvious. I would apply the $30 mil TOWARDS his contract which BTW will easily top 200 mil.

birdwatcher55 wrote:I would apply the $30 mil TOWARDS his contract which BTW will easily top 200 mil.

OK, but why?

Fielder isn't a starting pitcher and we need two of those. He isn't a quality reliever and we need two of those. He isn't a solid defensive 3B and we need one of those. He isn't a 2B and we need one of those. I just don't see how it's a good idea to max out the budget on one player when there are so many holes to fill.

I want this guy badly for some reason. I usually am very mild on situations like this, but I cannot help myself this time. I think the Orioles fanbase needs a guy like this brought in. I highly doubt the Orioles get him, but boy would it be cool.

Do I think he is a cure-all? Absolutely not.Do I think he is the best use of the Orioles investment capabilities? Probably Not.But I would love him.

no not at that cost use money for starters and thirdbaseman os can be .500 just sign cuddyer,kotchman,francis and harang move jim johnson into the rotation and keep reynolds at firstbase chris davis,cuddyer,reynolds and riemold --DHing reynolds,kotchman-1B chris davis,antonelli/3b riemold/cuddyer-LF do not resign scott trade-gregg, josh bell,tillman and bergesen and give strop a shot at closing...................harang guthrie hunter britton johnson or arietta/matusz or sign francis bullpen-strop gregg berken patton phillips simon or o'day maybe hunter if he doesnt start

I would tread carefully with this guy. He is very pricey and not all scouts, I have read, think he is all that great. One scout questions whether he can hit major league pitching consistently and has not seen much of a plus plus fastball.